President Zelenskyy has indicated he’s prepared to leave his position once the war between Russia and Ukraine concludes.
In a Wednesday interview, Zelenskyy stressed that his priority is ending the conflict, not seeking re-election.
“My objective is to bring the war to an end,” Zelenskyy told Barak Ravid on The Axios Show, following his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York and prior to his return to Kyiv.
Zelenskyy was resolute when questioned about the possibility of holding elections during a ceasefire.
“So, you’re committing that if President Putin agrees to a ceasefire of three months, six months, or whatever, you will proceed with elections in Ukraine?” Ravid inquired. “Yes,” Zelenskyy confirmed.
When questioned about whether he saw himself leading Ukraine during peacetime, Zelenskyy again implied he would step down after the war concludes.
“If we end the war with Russia? Yes,” Zelenskyy stated, clarifying that elections are not his personal ambition.
“Elections are not my goal,” he explained. “I want very much, during this very difficult time, to be with my country, to help my country. Yes, that’s what I wanted. My goal is to end the war,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader’s comments come as his nation remains under martial law, which has been in effect since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Elections are prohibited under martial law.
Zelenskyy, who was initially elected in 2019 with a significant majority, would have completed his five-year term in May 2024 if the war with Russia had not occurred.
Currently, Zelenskyy has been in office for over six years, exceeding his original term.
Digital has contacted Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office for comment.
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